AbstractThe adaptive spindle is a component, that allows additional fine positioning during machining operations by using a sub-kinematic system. The motor spindle is held by a piezo-based hexapod-kinematic. The article presents the different aspects of the design of an adaptronic component. With consideration of these aspects the work space of the end-effector were calculated. The characteristic values of the piezoceramic actuators, stroke and blocking force, were transformed to the structure of the active component by using design factors. The active system was validated in a special test bench. The potential and limits for further applications are also finally discussed.